A cap and gown that belonged to Bill Bauer—a beloved Rutgers professor and generous supporter of the university—will be worn at commencement ceremonies this year by Jon Oliver, a former student of Bauer and longtime Rutgers faculty and staff member who is completing his Ph.D. exactly 40 years after earning his bachelor’s degree.

Lambda Pi Eta is the official communication honor society of the National Communication Association (NCA). It was founded in 1985 at the University of Arkansas by Dr. Stephen A. Smith to recognize, foster, and reward outstanding scholastic achievement in communication. In 1994, Lambda Pi Eta gained national recognition when NCA endorsed it, becoming the official honor society for communication students.